Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (120–320 Grit Guide)

Kitchen cabinets take a beating—grease, fingerprints, and years of wear can dull their look. Refinishing them is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh makeover. The key to a lasting transformation is proper sanding with the right grit sequence. Using eQualle Sandpaper Sheets, you can prepare cabinets for paint or stain like a pro.

Why Sanding Kitchen Cabinets is Essential

Cabinets often have layers of finish, residue, and small dents. Sanding ensures paint or stain adheres evenly, removes glossy coatings, and provides a smooth, professional-looking surface. Skipping sanding leads to peeling paint and blotchy stain results.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Cabinets

• 120 grit: Removing gloss and smoothing out minor scratches.
• 180 grit: Evening the surface after initial sanding.
• 220 grit: Creating the perfect surface for primer or stain.
• 320 grit: Final sanding for a silky smooth finish before topcoat.

Step-by-Step Cabinet Sanding Process

1. Prep the area. Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean thoroughly with a degreaser.
2. De-gloss the surface. Start with 120 grit (50-pack) eQualle Sandpaper Sheets to cut through old finish.
3. Smooth and refine. Follow with 180 grit (25-pack) to even the surface and remove sanding marks.
4. Prepare for primer. Switch to 220 grit (100-pack) for the critical prep stage before applying stain or primer.
5. Final finish sanding. For ultra-smooth coats, lightly sand between paint or polyurethane layers with 320 grit (25-pack).

Special Considerations

For laminate cabinets, avoid coarse grits that may damage the thin surface—stick with 180 grit and finer. For detailed cabinet doors with grooves, fold eQualle Sandpaper Sheets to reach into corners without losing control.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain of the wood to prevent visible scratches.
• Always wipe down cabinets with a tack cloth between grit changes.
• Label each door and drawer to ensure easy reassembly after refinishing.
• Use wet sanding with finer grits for a dust-free, ultra-smooth finish.

Aftercare

• Store sandpaper sheets flat and dry to keep them from curling.
• Clean refinished cabinets with a mild soap solution to extend the life of the finish.
• Add felt pads under cabinet doors to prevent scratches over time.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip old paint before sanding? Not always—120 grit eQualle sheets can remove gloss, allowing primer to stick without full stripping.
• Can I use an electric sander? Yes, but hand sanding with eQualle sheets ensures better control, especially on cabinet edges and details.
• Is sanding necessary before chalk paint? Yes. Even chalk paint adheres better after a quick sanding with 220 grit.

Watch & Learn

Ready to transform your kitchen? Stock up on eQualle Sandpaper Sheets in multiple grit sizes. Browse our wood sanding collection for the perfect refinishing kit.